Terrorism has reached its end in Middle East: Iran deputy FM

An Iranian deputy foreign minister says terrorism has reached its end in the Middle East region.

Speaking to reporters in Baghdad on Tuesday, Iran Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said certain countries are playing an active role in conducting terrorist attacks in the region.

Amir-Abdollahian stated that the main perpetrators of a recent terrorist attack against a group of Iranian pipeline workers in Iraq have been identified and arrested.

“We will never allow terrorists to obstruct relations between Iran and Iraq,” the top Iranian diplomat said, adding, “Certain sides which are behind such terrorist incidents should know that…if continued, insecurity will also engulf them.”

On December 13, masked gunmen shot dead 15 Iranian and three Iraqi gas pipeline workers near the village of Balad Ruz, situated some 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Another five Iranians and two Iraqis were wounded in the attack.

The victims were working on a pipeline projected to carry natural gas from Iran to its western neighbor when they came under attack.

Amir-Abdollahian, who is in Baghdad to follow up on the recent terrorist attack, described as positive his talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and top officials of the country about the issue.

He emphasized that Tehran would proceed with its strategic ties with Baghdad.

In a telephone conversation with the Iraqi premier on Sunday, Iran President Hassan Rouhani warned against terrorist attacks targeting the Muslim world, urging a united front against terrorism.

"We should fight against terrorism as a united [front],” Rouhani said, adding, “The planned goal of terrorist moves is not only the Iraqi people but also the Muslim world and all those who serve the Iraqi nation.”